First of all, I want to wish everyone a fantastic July 4th holiday! I feel truly blessed to be part of the amazing “250-year experiment” that is the United States of America.
Yes, it is true that we have many challenges and issues facing us as a country that must be confronted in order for this representative democracy to continue for another hundred years and beyond.
Nonetheless, at least for today, let’s focus on the progress that has been made, and how fortunate we are to be Americans.
As I was reading various articles and books on Declaration of Independence and the importance of July 4, 1776, I was reminded that one astonishing fact is that John Adams and Thomas Jefferson both died on the 50th anniversary of the declaration of independence, July 4, 1826!
As stated by John Meacham in his Jefferson biography, Thomas Jefferson: The Art of Power: “In the early days of July 1826, Thomas Jefferson marshalled his will toward the realization of one last mission: He wanted to survive until the Fourth of July.”
I think you might enjoy the article ‘Jefferson and the 4th of July’ from The Catholic Thing.
The article points out that on his deathbed on July 3, 1826, Jefferson kept asking how soon it would be July 4. He died early that morning, and John Adams died a few hours later.
John Quincy Adams, the son of John Adams and our 6th President stated:
“A coincidence of circumstances so wonderful gives confidence to the belief that the patriotic efforts of these illustrious men were Heaven directed, and furnishes a new seal to the hope that the prosperity of these States is under the special protection of a kind Providence.”
In early August 1826, with President Adams present, Daniel Webster was more fulsome at Faneuil Hall in Boston:
“Adams and Jefferson are no more. On our fiftieth anniversary, the great day of national jubilee, in the very hour of public rejoicing, in the midst of echoing and re-echoing voices of thanksgiving, while their own names were on all tongues, they took their flight together to the world of spirits.”
I also had the chance to read and listen to several speeches given by our presidents on prior July 4ths. Given the current debate and controversies regarding immigration, I found this speech by President Gerald Ford on July 4, 1976 (our 200th birthday as a country) very inspiring. Very fittingly, he gave the speech at Monticello, Jefferson’s home in Virginia.
Ford’s speech includes statements that we should never forget:
“I see a growing danger in this country to conformity of thought and taste and behavior. We need more encouragement and protection for individuality. The wealth we have of culture, ethnic and religious and racial traditions are valuable counterbalances to the overpowering sameness and subordination of totalitarian societies.”
“Our common goal is freedom—the liberty of each individual to enjoy equal rights and to pursue happiness… Our common glory is the great heritage from the past which enriches the present and ensures our future.”
You can read the complete official transcript here:
Remarks at Naturalization Ceremonies at Monticello, Virginia (July 5, 1976)
Or, if you’d like to watch President Ford deliver the speech:
Okay, and now one fun addition that my friend Kelly sent me that I know you will enjoy!!
Here’s a link to a truly amazing drone display for July 4th!!!
